A DRUNKEN passenger picked the wrong flight to start an air rage incident.

On board were 34 members of the British Police rugby league squad, including Durham's 6ft 4in Mick Kent. And when the New Zealand passenger became aggressive they lost no time in tackling him.

The man had caused chaos when he demanded that a woman move places for him and she refused. He upset her, other passengers and air crew.

The rugby players were on the nine-hour flight from Singapore to New Zealand to take part in an international tournament. Flight staff asked them to intervene.

DC Kent, a former soldier with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and two team-mates tackled and held the man until he calmed down. On landing he was handed over to the authorities.

Speaking from New Zealand, DC Kent said: "The man was walking up and down, swearing a lot and causing a number of problems for passengers and cabin staff.

"He was grabbing a passenger and it looked like he was going to assault her, so we just restrained him until he calmed down."